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Hisense 55U8Q: two steps forward every year – what 12 months of development mean in the TV industry

A mini-LED master that combines cinematic brilliance with gaming adrenaline

Hisense 55U8Q
Photo: Jan Macarol

Every year, Hisense releases a new version of its flagship TV – the U8 series (55U8Q). In 2025, the TV got more brightness, a higher refresh rate and some small but important improvements. Is this enough to replace last year's version? Let's see!

Hisense 55U8Q je 2025 is the star of the European ULED line, promising up to 5000 nits of brightness, 165Hz smoothness and sound that wraps you like a warm blanket. Compared to last year's models, it brings more power for games and movies, but without unnecessary complications. If you're looking for a 55-inch 4K TV that won't just look back, but actually works for you, this is a contender for the throne - check it out to see if it's worth it.

When the TV turns into your personal IMAX in the living room

Imagine: a sunny September in Ljubljana, you're on the couch with your thoughts on Sunday football, but instead of struggling with the glare on the screen, you get a picture so sharp and vibrant that you feel like you're in the stadium in Lisbon. This is not a dream - this is reality Hisense 55U8Q, a 55-inch Mini-LED ULED Smart TV, known in Europe as part of the U8Q series. With a diagonal of 139 cm and a resolution of 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160), it is no longer just a square in front of you; it is a partner for Netflix marathons, gaming battles and those moments when you want every movie to look like it was directed by you. Christopher Nolan.

Photo: Hisense

Last year, the U8N already impressed with its good price-quality ratio, but this year? Hisense has stepped up the throttle to make this model faster than the traffic on Celovška Cesta and brighter than your vacation memory.

Photo: Hisense

What the Hisense 55U8Q brings: Brightness that knows no compromise and AI that reads your mind

Hisense 55U8Q It builds on Mini-LED PRO technology, which itself promises perfect blacks and exceptional brightness – up to 5000 nits in peak brightness, a jump from last year’s U8N, which reached around 3000-4000 nits. This means that HDR scenes (support for HDR10, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, Dolby Vision IQ and HLG) look like an explosion of color at a festival, not a pale shadow in a dark room. Local dimming with precise backlight control reduces those annoying “halo” effects around bright objects, which is especially noticeable in dark scenes – less distraction, more immersion in the story.

Photo: Jan Macarol

Then there's Hi-View AI Engine PRO, an artificial intelligence that analyzes every frame: skin tone, depth, graphics and even motion to make the picture as realistic as real life. If you're a sports fan, the 165Hz refresh rate (native, not some software trick) will make every football goal run as smoothly as an espresso from a real machine - without the stuttering that reminds you of old VHS tapes. And the Anti-Reflection PRO anti-glare glass? Minimal light intrusion, even if your room is lit like a summer beach in Portorož. Pantone-certified QLED colors add more than a billion shades, meaning richer colors and deeper immersion - ideal for those who want every movie to be an experience.

Cons? The frame is still a bit thicker due to the electronics and speakers (material: metal/plastic in black/dark gray), and if you look at it from an angle (viewing angle 178°), the colors soften slightly. But who sits on the edge of the couch during a marathon? The 2000:1 contrast ratio and 6 ms response time are solid, and the MEMC technology ensures smooth motion without ghosting in most cases.

Photo: Jan Macarol

Gaming adrenaline: From the couch to e-sports without delays

If you're a gamer – or just someone who occasionally presses a button on their controller and hopes for a miracle – the 55U8Q is your new ally. 165Hz Game Mode Ultra with VRR (variable refresh rate) and ALLM (auto low latency mode) means you can hook up a PS5, Xbox or PC via three HDMI 2.1 inputs and get sub-7ms input lag at 4K 120Hz – you're only losing because you're slow, not because the TV is lagging. Support for 1080p at 288Hz over HDMI is a dream for competitive gaming, and FreeSync and G-Sync eliminate screen tearing, making it feel like you're playing without that annoying "screen tearing".

In comparison with U8N (2024), which had 144 Hz and a slightly less optimized input lag, this model is more “future-proof” for the next generation of games – the higher frequency and higher brightness make a difference in fast-paced action. 4.1.2 Multi-Channel Surround sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual X decoding adds depth: side speakers, rear subwoofers and upward-firing channels create surround sound without additional devices – ideal for those who want the explosions in Call of Duty to really shake the room.

Price in Slovenia: A reality that doesn't bite too much

In Slovenia, the Hisense 55U8Q is available for €949. In the Hisense online store.

Photo: Jan Macarol

Conclusion: Is the 55U8Q your next tech lover?

The Hisense 55U8Q isn't perfect—and who is in a world where technology always promises more?—but it's the kind of TV that reminds you why you love gadgets: because they make everyday life a little more epic. Brighter and faster than last year's version, with AI that reads scenes better than you, and gaming power that puts you one step ahead of your opponents. If you're buying new or dreaming of upgrading, this is one of those rare cases where a 55-inch 4K Mini-LED really shines—and not just on the screen. Turn it on, press play, and enjoy the sunshine it brings home. VIDAA Smart OS with AirPlay 2 and Wi-Fi 6E will make sure everything runs smoothly, without unnecessary complications. Time to upgrade? If you're ready, yes—or else, let your old TV sleep peacefully a little longer.

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